Overview
Using data from the Flatiron Health Panoramic database comprised of >750K patients with breast cancer, this study builds on limited evidence to understand racial and ethnic inequities in biomarker testing for patients with HR+/ HER2- metastatic breast cancer (mBC) in the US. The study also looked at how social determinants of health (SDOH)—such as neighborhood segregation, English language proficiency, and access to transportation—might contribute to differences in testing.
Assessing a cohort of over 36,000 patients, researchers found that Asian, Black, and Latinx patients were less likely than White patients to receive biomarker testing after their mBC diagnosis. Some of these disparities were explained by SDOH factors, such residential segregation, limited English proficiency, and lack of vehicle ownership.
Why this matters
Biomarker testing is a critical step in ensuring that patients receive the most effective, personalized cancer treatments. This research highlights that not all patients have equal access to these tests, and that social and community factors play a significant role in these inequities. By identifying where and why these gaps exist, the study underscores the need to address both healthcare and social barriers to ensure that all patients—regardless of race, ethnicity, or background—can benefit from advances in cancer care. Future research should continue to investigate how these testing disparities may affect treatment and outcomes, with the goal of achieving more equitable cancer care for everyone.